Paint by numbers picture of economy emerges

Most of the year-end numbers are now in, offering a more complete picture of the Mesa County economy in 2015. Some of those numbers are encouraging — sales and lodging taxes, for example, and real estate sales in particular. But the numbers for the labor market continue to disappoint. For those keeping score, here’s a […]

Sports promotions sharpen competitive edge

The Grand Valley offers a lot to attract tourists: outdoor recreation, scenic beauty and, of course, wineries and breweries. But some of the biggest draws involve sports: soccer tournaments, cycling competitions and running events. It only makes sense, then, to promote sports as a way to bring more visitors to the area. Fortunately, an organization […]

State of the union? Unconstitutional, overreaching

I know what all too many would say: “Out of respect for the office and to be informed, you must watch President Obama’s State of the Union speech.” Despite the fact there’s indeed a minuscule speck of truth in that statement, it isn’t enough to make me watch the speech or prevent me from making […]

What’s NOT to like about presidential candidates

You know, maybe we’re kind of going about this the wrong way. The most common question currently asked among those of us in the political world is some variation of “Who do you like among the candidates for president?” The question implies an answer that goes something like “Well, candidate A is my guy or […]

May business outlook be merry and bright

The last few days of 2015 seem at least a bit more merry and bright in the Grand Valley thanks in part to the expectation renewed efforts to promote economic development will help to create more jobs and revitalize a recovery that’s remained stubbornly slow. The consensus among local officials who spoke at a recent […]

Latest estimate confirms slow growth — and need for policy change

Can we stop messing around and finally get serious about this economy? At the very least, the United States has suffered a lost nine years. More accurately, we’ve basically suffered a lost decade and a half with only a couple of years of solid growth over that period. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis recently […]

Defining terrorism key, but so is response

Facts are emerging about those responsible for the mass shooting in California, and it’s clear the attack was an act of Islamist terrorism — to the surprise of no one, save a few college kids around the nation cowering and shaking in their safe zones and wondering what kind of micro aggression must have been […]

Colorado’s new state motto: Have a drink on me

That’s the gist of the advertisements I hear on the radio from folks who want the state to grant grocery and convenience stores the “right” to sell liquor and full-strength beers. I mean, I feel sorry for the poor woman in the ad who’s so busy she simply can’t make time to go to the […]

1 76 77 78 79 80 121